Description
The average strength of a Thirty Years' War army was roughly 19,000 men, of which 30-40% was cavalry, that is, 5,700-7,600 and French armies did not differ remarkably from this norm. General Camon, describing the French forces in 1643 on the eve of Rocroi, remarked on the small size of the field armies, typically 16,000-20,000 men, of which about one-third were cavalry, and noted in particular the mercenary character of the French armies. This meant that the French cavalry included large numbers of Weimarians, Hessians, Swedes, and other foreigners. The presence of mercenaries in significant numbers was not unusual by the standards of the time nor was it, in the case of the French armies, a disability. The foreign cavalry, with its experience, discipline, and regimental organization was considered by Richelieu as a model for what the French cavalry might become.
The base French cavalry force was 4,000 regular Gendarmes, who were half-armoured pistoliers, supported by sections of "Carabins", and a 1,000 strong "Cornette Blanche" of noble volunteers, a company of 200 Guard Chevaulegers, and a unit of gentlemen, the "Carabiniers du Roy" who in 1622 became the famous company of Gray Musketeers (a company of Black Musketeers was added in 1661—despite their name both were heavy cavalry, the colors being those of their horses).
The average strength of a Thirty Years' War army was roughly 19,000 men, of which 30-40% was cavalry, that is, 5,700-7,600 and French armies did not differ remarkably from this norm. General Camon, describing the French forces in 1643 on the eve of Rocroi, remarked on the small size of the field armies, typically 16,000-20,000 men, of which about one-third were cavalry, and noted in particular the mercenary character of the French armies. This meant that the French cavalry included large numbers of Weimarians, Hessians, Swedes, and other foreigners. The presence of mercenaries in significant numbers was not unusual by the standards of the time nor was it, in the case of the French armies, a disability. The foreign cavalry, with its experience, discipline, and regimental organization was considered by Richelieu as a model for what the French cavalry might become.
The base French cavalry force was 4,000 regular Gendarmes, who were half-armoured pistoliers, supported by sections of "Carabins", and a 1,000 strong "Cornette Blanche" of noble volunteers, a company of 200 Guard Chevaulegers, and a unit of gentlemen, the "Carabiniers du Roy" who in 1622 became the famous company of Gray Musketeers (a company of Black Musketeers was added in 1661—despite their name both were heavy cavalry, the colors being those of their horses).
Enghien Horse
Formed in 1635 as a Chevau-Legers regiment with a unit strength of 2 squadrons of 2 companies. A cavalry company would have contained between 35 - 100 troopers during the period from 1635 to 1659. During campaign these companies would have averaged 50 men. In battle, the cavalry was organized in squadrons of 120 - 150 men deployed in 3 rows.
The banner of the unit is speculative and based on the coat of arms of Enghien.
Cardinal-Duc Horse
The unit was initially formed as Chevau-legers in 1635 by Louis XIII. By 1700 the cavalry regiments were divided in two groups: The 'Regiments Royaux' (owned by the state) and the 'Regiments Gentilhommes' (privately owned). This regiment would have been privately owned by the Cardinal of France.
The unit was part of the army of La Sarre in October 1635 under Marshal de La Valette which joined the Swedes of Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar in Mentz in 1635.
Later in 1643, the unit was part of the French forces at Rocroi and was situated on the flank along with the rest of the cavalry.
The unit was part of the army of La Sarre in October 1635 under Marshal de La Valette which joined the Swedes of Bernhard of Saxe-Weimar in Mentz in 1635.
Later in 1643, the unit was part of the French forces at Rocroi and was situated on the flank along with the rest of the cavalry.
De Leschelle Horse
The unit was initially formed as Gendarmerie in 1635 by Louis XIII and was from Liege.
In 1644, this ‘Regiment Royaux’ was part of the French forces at Fribourg and was situated in the reserve under the command of Marshal Gramont along with the rest of the French cavalry.
The ensign used the cost of arms of Liege.
In 1644, this ‘Regiment Royaux’ was part of the French forces at Fribourg and was situated in the reserve under the command of Marshal Gramont along with the rest of the French cavalry.
The ensign used the cost of arms of Liege.
De Sully Dragoons
Formed in 1635as a Carbine regiment with a unit strength of 2 squadrons of 2 companies. A cavalry company would have contained between 35 - 100 troopers during the period from 1635 to 1659. During campaign these companies would have averaged 50 men. In battle, the cavalry was organized in squadrons of 120 - 150 men deployed in 3 rows.
The Carbine troops were effectively Dragoons used for reconnaissance and aid.
The Carbine troops were effectively Dragoons used for reconnaissance and aid.
Alt-Rosen Horse
The unit was initially formed from Germans troops in 1634 and served under Bernhard de Saxe Weimar. The unit was transferred on his death in 1635 into French service under Reinhold von Rosen von Grossropp (1605 -1677) who gave the unit its name of Alt-Rosen in contrast to Jung-Rosen which was commanded by his brother, Johan von Rosen von Grossropp. The unit saw distinguished service in 1640 at Friedberg and Ziegenhain and, in 1642, at Cologne. Engaged heavily on the second day at Freiburg (1644), the unit helped overrun the Imperial baggage but was driven off in the ensuing struggle for the center. At 2nd Nordlingen (1645) the regiment was part of the cavalry under Turenne on the left flank and also fought at Rastadt, Etlingen and Philippsburg that year. In 1647 the unit was engaged along the Moselle and at Mergentheim.
The flag is based on a later design without the later royal cyphers.
Dauphin Gendarmes
Formed in 1638 on the birth of Louis XIV so that both the young dauphin and the king’s brother had a royal guard, the unit joined the remaining six units that formed part of the royal guard. While the Gendarme companies were a hobby of their aristocratic owner-captains, with the larger units belonging to members of the royal family, they formed the base of the French Cavalry forces.
In 1642 under the Comte de Harcourt, the Dauphin Gendarmes, along with the Piedmont IR, tried to relieve the town La Bassee from the Spanish siege but the French were defeated and routed at Honnecourt.
The unit, along with the rest of the royal gendarmes, was held in reserve under Sirot at the battle of Rocroi (1643) until the fourth and final assault on the Spanish tercios.
Orleans Gendarmes
Originally raised in 1643 it joined the eight units at the time that formed part of the royal guard. While the Gendarme companies were a hobby of their aristocratic owner-captains, with the larger units belonging to members of the royal family, they formed the base of the French Cavalry forces.
The unit, along with the Piedmont IR, fought at La Marfee (1641) against a Spanish force sent to support the uprising of the Comte de Soissons. The French, under Chatillon, launched a head-on attack against higher ground but were beaten off and driven from the field. However, the revolt collapsed as the Comte de Soissons was killed in the fighting.
The unit, along with the rest of the royal gendarmes, was held in reserve under Sirot at the battle of Rocroi (1643) until the fourth and final assault on the Spanish tercios.
At Lens (1648), the unit was on the right wing under the direct command of the Grand Condé. The cavalry helped halt the Spanish advance after which, the turning of the left Spanish flank by the French under Gramont, secured the French victory.
Sources
Flags and Text: French Armies of the Thirty Years War, Stephane Thion, LRT Editions, 2008
Actions of the Thirty Years War, William P. Gutherie, Partizan Press, 2013
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